** ART AS A RADICAL ACT OF OPTIMISM **

Sunday night, WICKED director Jon Chu accepted his Golden Globe and said, “We can make art that is a radical act of optimism, that is empowerment, and that is joy.” And just like that, I felt his words were aimed straight at me—a perfectly articulated reminder of how I want to live my life.

In a world that often feels like a never-ending game of “What fresh chaos is this?”, optimism, empowerment, and joy aren’t just feel-good buzzwords—they’re survival tools.

Chu’s statement is a love letter to the power of creation. Whether through books, music, film, or just how we show up in life, art can be a quiet revolution. And optimism? It’s not about living in denial. It’s about believing we can create meaning despite the mess. That kind of mindset? I want it framed on my wall and tattooed on my brain.

As someone reimagining my career and future, Chu’s message hit home—it felt like both a challenge and a permission slip. A challenge to ditch cynicism and pursue what lights me up. And permission to believe that what I create—whether it’s a heartfelt sentence or a really good pasta —can make a difference. Choosing optimism isn’t naive; it’s downright brave.

Empowerment, for me, isn’t about snagging a fancy title or building some sprawling empire. It’s about owning my story and doing what fulfills me—even if it doesn’t come with a viral hashtag. We live in a world that loves to celebrate hustle and constant achievement, but Chu’s words remind me to find joy in the act of creating itself.

Speaking of joy—can we talk about how underrated it is? Joy isn’t fluff; it’s fuel. It’s the spark that makes hard work worthwhile and simple pleasures feel like a victory. Whether I’m writing, sharing a meal with loved ones, or dancing in my kitchen like no one’s watching (because they’re not), joy isn’t something I wait for—it’s something I cultivate.

Jon Chu’s words strengthened my resolve to approach this next chapter with clarity and purpose. Optimism, empowerment, and joy aren’t just ideals they remind me that the choices I make today can build a life that’s bold, meaningful, and beautifully mine. And that, friends, is a vision worth chasing.

Trust the process.

Arielle